Dunne - "I want my title back"‏

Despite returning to winning ways against Felix Machado in Castlebar in April Bernard Dunne admits there’s something missing at the moment – his European title belt.

The Dubliner is back in action in his native city on July 12th when he meets Argentina’s Damian Marchiano in the Hunky Dorys Fight Night headline bout at the National Stadium.

Dunne is hopeful that an impressive win over Marchiano will take him a step closer to a fight with the man who now holds his old European Super Bantamweight title belt – England’s Rendall Munroe.

“I want my old title back,” said Dunne before adding, “I hear Munroe's not all that keen on giving me an opportunity so we might have to just try and force his hand by waiting for the EBU to make me his mandatory challenger.”

Before that though Dunne has to deal with the challenge posed by Marchiano at the National Stadium. The Neilstown native admits he’s been impressed by what he’s seen of his South American foe. “I’ve watched a DVD of him and he’s a very aggressive fighter. He likes to press the action and is constantly on the front foot. He likes to drag the other guy into his kind of fight.”

The 28-year-old Argentinean has a record of 15 wins, 4 losses and a draw and Dunne says a closer look at his record reveals his quality. “He’s mixed in very good company and there’s no shame in losing to the guys he has lost to.

“Abner Mares is very highly rated and one of the big up and coming stars in the U.S. Last time out he lost to Silence Mabuza for the IBO title but for me Mabuza is probably the best bantamweight in the world right now and certainly the best puncher in that weight division.”

Dunne and trainer Harry Hawkins are currently putting the finishing touches to preparations for the fight after a two month training camp in Belfast. The Dubliner insists he’s happy to remain at super bantamweight despite this fight being agreed at a catch weight of 2 pounds above the 8 stone 10 pounds super bantamweight limit.

“I suppose there will always be options at featherweight but super bantamweight is where I’m most comfortable. This fight is a non title fight so it’s been made at a catch weight but super bantam is where I see my future. At the moment I’m just buzzing to be back fighting regularly again and I’m really looking forward to getting backto the National Stadium and putting in a good performance.”

The undercard features a pair of Irish title fights as Jim Rock returns in a historic bid to become a four weight Irish Champion against Jonjo Finnegan while Cavan’s Andrew Murray bids for his second Irish title against current Lightweight champ Peter McDonagh.

The card also features Dubliners Oisin Fagan, Ian Tims and Eugene Heagney and the anticipated return of big punching Belfastman Darren Corbett.

Tickets for the Hunky Dorys Fight Night priced from €50 are available from Ticketmaster.ie and all usual outlets.

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©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

Hunky Dorys Fight Night July 12

Irish title double bill added to Hunky Dorys Fight Night

Two mouth watering Irish title fights have been added to the next Hunky Dorys Fight Night, which will be headlined by Bernard Dunne at the National Stadium, Dublin on July 12th.

The “Pink Panther” Jim Rock will return to the ring as he attempts to become an unprecedented 4 weight Irish Champion by stepping up to Light Heavyweight to tackle Jonjo Finnegan.

A second Irish title fight on the card will see two reigning Irish champs clash when Light Welterweight kingpin Andrew Murray moves down a weight to challenge Peter McDonagh for his Lightweight belt.

Rock sees his clash with Finnegan as an opportunity to cement his place in Irish boxing history in what he admits will probably be his last ever appearance in the ring.

“I’ve made history by becoming the first Irish professional to win Irish titles at 3 different weights but I’d like to make that 4 because I think that would give me a bit of extra breathing space in terms of safeguarding that record.

“I know I’ve threatened retirement before but I think this fight will be it for me,” admitted the Dubliner who recently turned 36. “If I’m realistic I probably shouldn’t be fighting and my wife would certainly agree with that but there’s no other buzz quite like it. No matter what you achieve in business or in anything else you can never match the feeling of getting into that ring in front of a couple of thousand people. It’s the ultimate gladiatorial sport and that adrenalin rush is very hard to leave behind.

“What happens with me is that when I haven’t fought in a while I tend to put on a few pounds and then when I go back to the gym to get back into shape it always ends up with me climbing back into the ring just to spar a few rounds. That’s when I get the buzz back and you can’t beat the camaraderie and craic you get up in John Breen’s gym in Belfast.

“It’s buzzing there at the moment, Neil Sinclair has an EU title fight in Italy at the weekend, Martin Rogan is flying high after winning the prize fighter and will be fighting Audley Harrison next month in the U.K. and Paul McCloskey and Stephen Haughian are in great form as well so when you’re in the middle of those guys it really gets you motivated.”

Rock will need to be motivated if Finnegan is to be believed. Based in Burton-on-Trent the 28 year old’s roots are in Gort, Co. Galway and he’s desperate for Irish title success after rebounding from career threatening injuries last year.

“This fight has been talked about quite a few times in recent years and for one reason or another it’s never come off but finally it’s happening now and I can’t wait,” said Finnegan.

“I was in a bad car accident last year and the doctors told me I’d never box again but I was determined to get back in there and that experience has taught me that you have to make the most of any opportunities that come your way and grab them with both hands.
“I’ve a lot of respect for Jim, he’s been around the block and I know that I will have my work cut out but I’ll be in the shape of my life and I’ll be ready to take that Irish title.”

Rock admits to knowing little about Finnegan but realises that he is a major threat. “I know he’ll really be up for this, he’s been very active recently and he’s a warm up fight lined up as well so he’ll be ring fit where as I’ll have a bit of ring rust to shed after over a year out but I really want that fourth Irish title belt.”

The build up to the second Irish title decider on the card promises to be a distinctly frostier affair with a war of words already underway between the rival camps of Peter McDonagh and Andrew Murray.

McDonagh will be defending the Irish title he won in controversial fashion against Michael Gomez in 2006 while the undefeated Murray will be attempting to add the Lightweight belt to the Light Weterweight belt he already holds.

Both men have sparred countless rounds with each other in the past and both camps hold vastly differing views on the outcome of those sessions.

McDonagh’s manager Mark Roe said, “I wasn’t involved with Peter back then but I had heard at the time and Peter confirmed to me afterwards that he broke Murray’s jaw in two places during one of their spars. I don’t think it was anything malicious on Peter’s behalf, it was just one of those injuries that happens in sparring but it’s something to consider for those people that say Peter’s not a puncher.

“Peter’s a professional and he’s nothing against Andrew because he’s a nice kid but this is a big chance for Peter to impress and he’s working very hard in the gym for it. Sparring is sparring but all that goes out the window in a real fight but when you look at the experience Peter has against Andrew you can draw your own conclusions.”

Murray’s manager Mickey Helliet is bullish about his man’s chances. “Actions speak louder than words and we’ve wanted this fight for the last 18 months while we’ve only had silence from McDonagh during that time. In fact I think that’s a big psychological advantage to Andrew and means he’s won the first round.

“I truly believe that this is a foregone conclusion for Andrew as long as Peter actually turns up. I won’t believe it’s happening until the ring has cleared and the two guys are left standing there with the first bell about to go - even then I’ll have to pinch myself.

“Peter has pulled out of fights before, he was supposed to fight Oisin Fagan in Dublin and he pulled out of that and because of Andrew he nearly pulled out of the Gomez fight. Andrew’s trainer Paul Rees told me after one of their sparring sessions for that fight Andrew was so dominant that McDonagh was considering not going ahead with the Gomez fight. I know they had some pretty heated sparring sessions but I know Andrew always got the better of them.

Also featured on the undercard is the return of exciting Belfast puncher, Darren Corbett, Dublin’s Ian Tims, Castlebar native Keith Cresham and other bouts. Tickets for the Hunky Dorys Fight Night priced from €50 are on sale from Ticketmaster.ie and all usual outlets.

Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1

EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine

Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/

©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

July 12Hunky Dorys Fight Night - Magnificent Seven set for Summer Sizzler at the Stadium‏

Hunky Dorys Fight Night - Magnificent Seven set for Summer Sizzler at the Stadium

The Best of the Fighting Irish are set to showcase their talents at Dublin’s National Stadium on July 12th on the next Hunky Dorys Fight Night. The Magnificent Seven of Bernard Dunne, Matthew Macklin, Andrew Murray, Oisin Fagan, Darren Corbett, Ian Tims and Keith Cresham will see action on what should prove a hot summers night of boxing at the National Stadium.

Dunne will headline the card in an International 10 round contest as he looks to take another step towards a world title shot. The Dubliner rebounded from last years European title defeat in Castlebar last month shedding the ring rust with a comprehensive win over former World Champion, Felix Machado.

The second 10 rounder on the card will see Matthew Macklin square off with Philadelphia danger man Willie “The Gladiator” Gibbs.

Following a career best display in comfortably outpointing former World Champion Yori Boy Campas in March Gibbs promises to be another step up in class for the Birmingham based Irishman.

Fight fans will also get an opportunity to compare the relative merits of Irish rivals Andrew Murray and Oisin Fagan on July 12th ahead of a possible Irish title showdown later this year.

Murray the reigning Irish Light Welterweight champ will look to extend his unbeaten record to 13 straight wins in a scheduled 10 rounder while Fagan, the previous incumbent of the Irish 10 stone title will also appear on the card as he builds towards regaining a belt that he never lost in the ring.

Add the return of big punching Belfast star Darren Corbett to the mix and appearances from unbeaten prospects Ian Tims and Keith Cresham and it all adds up to a mouth watering night of boxing for Irish fight fans.

Promoter Brian Peters believes it could be huge night in the careers of both Dunne and Macklin. “For Bernard there’s a possibility that we could bypass the European title and go for a World title. Rendall Munroe is the European Champion now and I’ve spoken to his promoter Frank Maloney and they’re not keen on coming to Ireland to fight Bernard.

“So with that being the case we need to look at other options and the most obvious one is to go for the world title. There’s no point hanging around at European level waiting for a fight that may not happen anyway.

“Bernard had a good win in Castlebar last month against a very decent opponent in Felix Machado and I’m sure if he can get another couple of wins likes that we’ll be knocking on the door of a world title shot. We can’t afford any slip ups but Bernard still needs to beat the kind of guys that can secure him a world ranking so this is a crucial period in his career.

“Matthew also has a big night ahead of him. He stepped up a level last time and did very well against Campas and Gibbs is definitely another step up again. He’s a big puncher and a really dangerous opponent but if Matthew gets past him it will create a few ripples Stateside because Gibbs is very much a known quantity over there.”

For Gibbs fighting certainly seems to be in the blood, the 32 year old is a cousin of Bernard Hopkins and like his cousin he has developed a ring persona. Hopkins calls himself the “Executioner” while Gibbs goes by the name of “The Gladiator” and enters the ring wearing a Gladiator’s mask.He’s backed up that particular moniker by compiling a professional record of 20 wins and 3 losses. Sixteen of those wins have come by stoppage so he can clearly punch but Macklin isn’t worried about his reputation.“I actually fought on his undercard in Philadelphia a few years back and after my fight I managed to see a few rounds of his fight. He’s a big strong guy but I didn’t see anything to frighten me.”

Despite his impressive win over Campas Macklin admits there were elements of his performance that he wasn’t happy with. “I suppose I’m my own worst critic but watching it back again afterwards I was probably too disciplined. I had said I wanted to get back to using my jab and my boxing skills but looking back at it now I think I overdid it against Campas. I probably over compensated for that and there were times when I probably should have stood my ground a little more.

“That’s something I can work on when I go back to Florida to work with Buddy McGirt again. I just need to strike a happy medium because while I want to get back to my boxing skills I don’t want to lose the intensity because I believe that’s one of the things that gives me an edge over the other guys out there.”

Tickets for the Hunky Dorys Fight Night priced from €50 go on sale from 9am tomorrow (Thursday, May 8th) from Ticketmaster.ie and all usual outlets.
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1

EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine

Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/

©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

Hunky Dorys Fight Night: Dunne set for battle on Western front‏

Hunky Dorys Fight Night: Dunne set for battle on Western front

Bernard Dunne is itching to get his hands on former World Champion Felix Machado. The Dubliner’s clash with Machado headlines this Saturday’s Hunky Dorys Fight Night at the Breaffy House Resort in Castlebar, Co. Mayo and Dunne will be out to put last August’s defeat to Kiko Martinez well and truly behind him.

“I’m in great form and my training camp has gone really well,” said Dunne. “I’m just very excited about the fight and looking forward to putting on a good performance.” Dunne however has been handed a tough task as he bids to return to winning ways against “El Macho” Machado. The 35-year-old Venezuelan was IBF Super Flyweight Champion from 2000 – 2003 and has a wealth of world title experience having campaigned in no less than 8 world title fights at both super flyweight and bantamweight.

Machado was promoted throughout that time by Don King and scored notable scalps over fellow world champions such as Martin Castillo, Mauricio Pastrana and Julio Gamboa during his 3 year title reign. Having fought in the U.S., Thailand, Panama, Argentina, Nicaragua and his native Venezuela coming to Ireland is unlikely to concern the laid back Machado.

Dunne is looking forward to pitting his skills against an opponent of the quality of Machado. “He’s a serious operator and a class act, you don’t win world titles unless you’re a very good fighter. I’ve seen a few of his fights and he’s a tall, rangy southpaw but I’ve fought southpaws before so that shouldn’t be a problem.”

Reflecting back on the loss of his European title to Martinez last August Dunne said, “I was disappointed for myself and disappointed for the fans. People pay good money to see a fight and they didn’t get much action that night but hopefully I can make it up this weekend.

Saturday’s Hunky Dorys Fight night at the Breaffy House Resort in Castlebar will give Mayo fight fans a chance to sample the excitement of professional boxing and in particular the atmosphere of a Bernard Dunne fight.

“Brian has had the idea of bringing the show on the road for quite a while now,” said Dunne. “It’s something new so hopefully the atmosphere that the fights used to generate at the Stadium and The Point will travel to Mayo.”

Another international 10 rounder on the card will feature Andrew Murray. The undefeated Cavan man has racked up 11 straight wins in the pro ranks and is also the reigning Irish Light Welterweight champion. He's been busy of late racking up two stoppage wins in the last 3 weeks and he'll aim to take a step up in class this weekend.

There will be plenty of local interest on the card to with Castlebar’s very own Keith Cresham making his pro debut and Ballinrobe’s Michael Sweeney looking to extend his unbeaten record. London based Galway native John O’Donnell also features.

Also in action is undefeated unbeaten Cuban heavyweight and former World Junior Amateur champion Mike “El Rebellio” Perez. Also making his debut on the card is hard hitting Limerick man Jamie Power while Polish fight fans are also catered for with Grzegorz Proksa in action against Venezuelan dangerman Jairo Alvarez.

Proksa is considered to be the best prospect to emerge from Poland in decades and has already racked up 13 straight wins.

The Hunky Dorys Fight Night will be broadcast live from the Breaffy House Resort on RTÉ TWO this Saturday night with coverage starting from 9pm.

Hunky Dorys Fight Night – Bazan predicts McCloskey’s downfall

Hunky Dorys Fight Night – Bazan predicts McCloskey’s downfall



Former World Champion Cesar Bazan arrived in Letterkenny this week promising to wreck Paul McCloskey’s unbeaten record. The two men meet in the top of the bill on this Saturday’s Hunky Dorys Fight Night at the Letterkenny Leisure Complex and Bazan is brimming with confidence ahead of the clash.

The Mexican arrived in Letterkenny on Sunday to acclimatise after a gruelling 6 week training camp in the mountains near his native Mexico City.

“Everything has been great since I arrived in Ireland, the people have been very nice and it is a beautiful country. I have trained long and hard for this fight and I am in great shape. I had 4 fights in France earlier in my career so fighting and winning in Europe is nothing new to me.”

Bazan admits to knowing little about McCloskey or caring for his ever-growing reputation as one of the light welterweight division’s hottest prospects. “I never heard of Paul McCloskey until I was asked to fight him and I don’t think I’ll be hearing any more about him after this weekend either. I am only concerned with myself and my preparations.”

Now 33 Bazan captured the WBC Lightweight title in 1998 by beating Stevie Johnson. He made 2 successful defences before losing to Johnson in a rematch on a split decision but Bazan believes he’s still capable of recapturing his world title winning form.

His current record stands at 46 wins and 9 defeats but he disputes all but 2 of those losses. “Except for my losses to Miguel Cotto and Jose Luis Castillo all my losses have been controversial. Just look at my record and see how many split decisions have gone against me and in the other guys hometown. What does that tell you?

“I just hope I get a fair deal in Ireland but I don’t think there will be any doubt about the winner of this fight. I know I have the power to knock out McCloskey. I wish Paul McCloskey well in his career but he is not in my league. I have fought the best and beaten the best, McCloskey hasn’t beaten anyone so far.”

McCloskey insists that he’s undaunted by Bazan’s reputation. “His record is certainly impressive,” admitted the Dungiven southpaw. “He’s a puncher and has twice as many KO’s as I’ve had fights so you have to respect that. He’s also very durable and has only been stopped by big names like Miguel Cotto and Jose Luis Castillo. But having said all that I’ve been ready for fights like this for some time now so I’m looking to go in there and do an impressive job on this guy.”

The undercard will feature former World title challenger and British Champion Neil Sinclair. The power punching Belfast man is desperate to get back in to title contention but first he will need to get past durable Spaniard Juan Martinez Bas in Letterkenny.

Also on the undercard are a pair of reigning Irish Champions, Light Welterweight title holder, Andrew Murray and Light Middleweight kingpin Ciaran Healy. Murray has stepped in for the injured Stephen Haughian in what will be a quick return to action following a stoppage win on the Macklin – Campas undercard in Dublin last weekend.

Healy will be out for revenge in his 8 round contest with Pavel Lotah. The Latvian outpointed him over 6 rounds in Limerick last month so Healy will be looking to even the score in Letterkenny.

Also on the bill is undefeated Omagh prospect Damian Taggart and new pro Luke Wilton who will be making his first start in the paid ranks.

Cuban heavyweight Mike Perez has also been forced off the card with an injury suffered in last weekend's win at the National Stadium.

Tickets for the Hunky Dorys Fight Night priced from €60 are on sale from Ticketmaster.ie and all usual outlets.